Internships with Washington Performing Arts

Washington Performing Arts offers internships throughout the year. Applicants should be highly motivated, creative and hard-working individuals with an interest in all aspects of arts management. It is preferred that applicants have previous office experience. In addition, applicants should possess:

Interest/background in the performing arts

Strong organizational skills

Effective writing and communication skills

Ability to learn quickly, handle multiple tasks, take initiative, and work independently with little supervision

High energy level and ability to work well in deadline and/or pressure situations

Computer literacy

Each internship at Washington Performing Arts is tailored to the interests and strengths of the intern. Washington Performing Arts interns leave our offices with a better understanding of arts management, a knowledge of artists in a variety of fields, contacts in performance venues throughout the D.C. metro area, practical experience, and a portfolio of work. Hours required per week vary by department, but in general interns are required to work a minimum of 15 hours/week. While internships are unpaid, interns are invited to attend many Washington Performing Arts performances on a complimentary basis.

Washington Performing Arts’ Children of the Gospel Choir offers children ages 9-18 an opportunity to grow vocally and develop performance skills while exploring the heritage of gospel music. Under the direction of Michele Fowlin, the choir has performed for dignitaries at the White House, at Washington National Cathedral for the Inaugural Prayer Services for President Barack Obama, and on NBC’s Today, in addition to giving numerous concerts in the D.C. metro area. Under the direction of Stanley J. Thurston, the 120 members of Washington Performing Arts Men and Women of the Gospel Choir have shared the stage with artists ranging from Richard Smallwood to Dionne Warwick and from Ramsey Lewis to Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

Organizing, cataloging, and managing the gospel music library

Preparing materials and providing logistical support for rehearsals

Assisting with choral management and correspondence

Managing the choirs’ social media

Supporting the Capital Voices Project

Providing on-site support at rehearsals and performances

Qualifications:

Ability to work flexible hours (including nights/weekend)

Ability to work independently and follow directions

Background in the performing arts preferred

Strong organizational skills

Excellent writing and communication skills

Ability to learn quickly, handle a multitude of tasks, take initiative and work independently with little supervision

High level of energy and ability to work well in deadline and/or pressure situations

Schedule/Hours:

20 hours per week required. Washington Performing Arts office hours are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Internship hours are flexible within this time frame and can be tailored to meet the needs of the Director of Gospel Programs and the applicant. Please note that you will be requested to work occasional evenings/weekends to assist with events.

20 hours per week required. Washington Performing Arts office hours are from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Internship hours are flexible within this time frame and can be tailored to meet the needs of the Development department and the applicant. Please note that you may be requested to work occasional evenings/weekends to assist with events.

This position provides overall administrative assistance to the Education & Community Engagement staff in support of the department’s various initiatives. The intern will support youth and adult education programs such as Concerts in Schools, in-school residencies, master classes, adult and children’s vocal workshops, and summer camps. Projects will also include community engagement programs such as the Feder Memorial String Competition, Misbin Chamber Music Competition, Enriching Experiences for Seniors, and Mars Urban Arts Initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

Providing assistance with overall administrative, logistical support, and production needs for Education & Community Engagement initiatives

Communicating with the school administration and teaching community, local artists, organizational partners, choral community, schools, and churches.

Conducting research on potential community artists, potential partner organizations, and alternative venues within D.C.

Working with the Washington Performing Arts External Relations department to publicize program events and ensure branding includes funder acknowledgements

Collecting supportive materials and working with the Education & Community Engagement staff to develop reports for funders

Requirements:

Interest/background in the performing arts from diverse global traditions

Connection to the local arts community strongly preferred

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to learn quickly, handle a multitude of tasks, take initiative, and work independently with little supervision

High level of energy and ability to work well in deadline and/or pressure situations

Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel (preferred)

Some prior experience in an administrative setting preferred

Schedule/Hours:

20-25 hours per week required. Washington Performing Arts office hours are from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Internship hours are flexible within this time frame and can be tailored to meet the needs of the Education & Community Engagement department and the applicant.

This position provides overall administrative assistance to the education staff in support of the Embassy Adoption Program (“EAP”). A partnership with D.C. Public Schools, EAP connects up to 75 embassies and other global partners with fifth and sixth grade classrooms who learn about a country’s history, culture, arts, language, and more during the school year.

Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

Providing administrative and logistical support for Embassy Adoption Program events, such as teacher and diplomat trainings, the EAP Diplomatic Tea, final presentations, class visits, and the Mini United Nations simulation

Coordinating transportation for EAP class field trips and events

Observing and assisting with materials during in-school EAP activities and field trips

Communicating with diplomats, teachers, global representatives, school administrators, local artists, and organizational partners

Providing assistance with overall administrative and production needs for other ongoing educational initiatives

Updating constituent information in Tessitura (database software)

Requirements:

Interest/background in the performing arts from diverse global traditions

Interest/background in working with D.C.’s international community

Strong organizational skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to learn quickly, handle a multitude of tasks, take initiative, and work independently with little supervision

High level of energy and ability to work well in deadline and/or high-pressure situations

Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel (preferred)

Some prior experience in an administrative setting preferred

Schedule/Hours:

20-25 hours per week required. Washington Performing Arts office hours are from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Internship hours are flexible within this time frame and can be tailored to meet the needs of the Education department and the applicant.

Join our dynamic arts marketing team to promote a multi-genre season of world-class musicians, dancers, and performers. With more than 50 performances presented at nine venues throughout the D.C. metro region, Washington Performing Arts offers a hands-on experience at the highest level of nonprofit performing arts marketing.

Duties and Responsibilities May Include:

Research and profile artists

Assist with the planning and execution of grassroots and community marketing campaigns

Assist with social media content development and tracking

Develop patron engagement tools

Assist with sales and marketing duties utilizing Tessitura database

Edit copy for web and print media

Provide assistance with on-site marketing logistics for at least two performances

15-20 hours per week required. Washington Performing Arts office hours are from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Internship hours are flexible within this time frame and can be tailored to meet the needs of the External Relations department and the applicant.

High level of energy and ability to work well in deadline and/or pressure situations

Access to a vehicle and a valid Driver’s License is preferred but not required

Schedule / Hours:

20 hours per week required. Washington Performing Arts office hours are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Internship hours are flexible within this time frame and can be tailored to meet the needs of the department and the applicant. Please note that you will be requested to work evenings/weekends to assist with events. Note: This internship runs January through April.